Opera

David Leventi

ISBN 10: 8862083971 / ISBN 13: 9788862083973

Published by Damiani, 2015

About this Item

David Leventi Opera; foreword by Placido Domingo; texts by Marvin Heiferman and Thomas Mellins; Damiani, 2015. Printed in February 2015 by Grafiche Damiani, Italy. A full page presentation to the leader of a law firm upon his visit from a staff member and the visitor must not have been of cultural inclination! The book features photos of 47 opera houses in 19 different countries. From the introduction Over eight years and working in opera houses built over four centuries and on four continents, Leventi devised a visual strategy to produce photographs that, while straightforward in their detailed description of magnificence, are far from simple. Using only opera house chandeliers and house lights for illumination, he photographed systematically and, as he explained from the spot at centre stage where a performer would stand. Leventi s photographs draw attention to the ways opera house interiors were reconfigured over time. Boxed seats for royals and the upper classes gave way to more open seating in tiered balconies. This large format book, 117 pages measuring 280mm X 333mm, is in fine condition as is the dust jacket, now in a protective mylar wrap. A truly magnificent production that will enthrall the viewer. This large book will require additional postage.

Seller Inventory # 2069

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Opera
• Publisher: Damiani
• Publication Date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 8862083971
• ISBN 13: 9788862083973
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Fine

About this title

Synopsis

In his series Opera, photographer David Leventi (born 1978)―whose work has been widely published in Time, The New York Times Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler and American Photography―captures the interiors of more than 40 opera houses spanning four centuries and four continents. Shot meticulously over five years, Opera presents a typology; each empty hall is seen from the place at center stage where the singers would stand. The large-format camera reveals these temples of music in their wealth of architectural detail and acoustic design; the body of work historically documents landmarks that serve as symbols of their nations' wealth and grandeur, their dedication to the promotion of the arts and to bringing communities together. With its unique concept―the opera house as a lens for cultural survey, a unifying force and tradition across continents―the collection serves as a beautiful tribute to opera.

Review

Leventi has published a visual catalogue of these grand cultural institutions in his new series Opera, which, more than presenting a mere typology of houses, also reveals the extent to which these ornate interiors stand as symbols of their countries’ wealth, grandeur and musical legacy. (Jetsetter)

For the past few years, Leventi has thoroughly explored that point of view. He's compiled a series of photographs into a new book, simply titled Opera, and we can attest to their stunning imagery. (Ari Notis verdana.com)

From Italy to Argentina, Budapest to Moscow, Leventi travels the globe to present the interiors of opera houses that are nothing short of awesome. (Jack Crager American Photo)

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to stand front-and-center on a stage in one of the world’s most beautiful opera houses, photographer David Leventi has your answer. While the seats may be empty and the orchestra pit barren, his shots of the ornate halls carry enough grandiose detail to leave anyone in awe. (Erika Owen Travel + Leisure)

In his new book Opera (Damiani), photographer David Leventi documents more than 40 lavis houses on four continents, most from a vantage point usually known only to the stars―center stage. These grand spaces clearly merit a standing ovation. (Peter Terzian Elle Decor)

“I experience an almost religious feeling walking into a grand space such as an opera house,” says Leventi. And yet from this sumptuousness he creates an ordered typology in a way that links his work to artists such as Bernd and Hilla Becher.

Part of the way Leventi achieves that order is by repeatedly photographing from the stage, looking back out at the audience―just where the singer might stand. (Myles Little TIME Lightbox)

From the Opera Royal at Versailles to Zaha Hadid's Guangzhou Opera House in China, Leventi captured each space using large-format eight-by-ten-inch film, composing lushly detailed images that reflect the influence of his mentor, architectural lensman Robert Polidori. Each shoot was an all-consuming hours-long process that Leventi compares to the musicians' own onstage experience. (Julie Coe Architectural Digest)